Shatner Rules: Your Key to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large

Admit it. You want to BE William Shatner. This collection of rules, illustrated with stories from Bill’s illustrious life and career, will show you how Bill became WILLIAM SHATNER, larger than life and bigger than any role he ever played. Shatner Rules is your guide to becoming William Shatner. Or, more accurately, beautifully Shatneresque.

Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man

Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner first crossed paths as actors on the set of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Little did they know that their next roles, in a new science-fiction television series, would shape their lives in ways no one could have anticipated. In 79 television episodes and six feature films, they grew to know each other more than most friends could ever imagine. Over the course of half a century, Shatner and Nimoy saw each other through personal and professional highs and lows.

Jeremy Stone says:"Shatner brings to life an amazing tale about a talented, hardworking man!"

The original Star Trek series debuted in 1966 and has spawned five TV series spin-offs and a dozen feature films, with an upcoming one from Paramount arriving in 2016. The Fifty-Year Mission is a no-holds-barred oral history of five decades of Star Trek, told by the people who were there. Hear from the hundreds of television and film executives, programmers, writers, creators, and cast as they unveil the oftentimes shocking story of Star Trek's ongoing 50-year mission.

But Enough About Me: A Memoir

Burt Reynolds has been a Hollywood leading man for six decades, known for his legendary performances, sex-symbol status, and storied Hollywood romances. In his long career of stardom, during which he was number one at the box office for five years in a row, Reynolds has seen it all. But Enough About Me will tell his story through the people he's encountered on his amazing journey.

The Elephant to Hollywood

Charming, engaging, and surprisingly forthright, Michael Caine gives us his insider's view of Hollywood and the story of his brilliant second act. When he was in his late 50s, Michael Caine believed his Hollywood career had come to an end. The scripts being sent his way were worse and worse. Salvation came in the unlikely form of his old friend Jack Nicholson, who convinced him to give acting one more shot. What followed was one of the most radical comebacks in film history.

The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years: From the Next Generation to J. J. Abrams is an incisive, no-holds-barred oral history telling the story of post-Original Series Star Trek, told exclusively by the people who were there, in their own words - sharing the inside scoops they've never told before, unveiling the oftentimes shocking true story of the history of Star Trek, and chronicling the trials, tribulations, and tribbles that have remained deeply buried secrets until now.

I Remember Me

For over half a century, millions have appreciated Carl Reiner's work as comedian, actor, director, TV writer and author. Winner of numerous accolades, including 12 Emmy wins and one Grammy award, Carl Reiner once again brandishes his literary talents to tell the story of his life in I Remember Me. Reiner reminisces on 90 years of love and laughter, highs and lows, mistakes and triumphs. Told with a warm heart and an occasional touch of nostalgia, Reiner draws from decades of family, friends and fun to illuminate his life and career as one of America's most loved and memorable figures.

Andy and Don: The Making of a Friendship and a Classic American TV Show

Andy Griffith and Don Knotts met on Broadway in the 1950s. When Andy went to Hollywood to film a TV pilot about a small-town sheriff, Don called to ask if the sheriff could use a deputy. The comedic synergy between Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife ignited The Andy Griffith Show, elevating a folksy sitcom into a timeless study of human friendship, as potent off the screen as on.

In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox

Who but Carol Burnett herself has the timing, talent, and wit to pull back the curtain on the Emmy Award-winning show that made television history for 11 glorious seasons? In Such Good Company delves into little-known stories of the guests, sketches, and antics that made the show legendary as well as some favorite tales too good not to relive again. Carol lays it all out for us, from the show's original conception to its evolution into one of the most beloved primetime programs of its generation.

Still Foolin' 'Em: Where I've Been, Where I'm Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys

Billy Crystal is 65, and he's not happy about it. With his trademark wit and heart, he outlines the absurdities and challenges that come with growing old, from insomnia to memory loss to leaving dinners with half your meal on your shirt. In humorous chapters like ""Buying the Plot"" and ""Nodding Off,"" Crystal not only catalogues his physical gripes, but offers a road map to his 77 million fellow baby boomers who are arriving at this milestone age with him. He also looks back at the most powerful and memorable moments of his long and storied life, from entertaining his relatives as a kid in Long Beach, Long Island, and his years doing stand-up in the Village, up through his legendary stint at Saturday Night Live, When Harry Met Sally, and his long run as host of the Academy Awards. Listeners get a front-row seat to his one-day career with the New York Yankees (he was the first player to ever ""test positive for Maalox""), his love affair with Sophia Loren, and his enduring friendships with several of his idols, including Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali. He lends a light touch to more serious topics like religion (""the aging friends I know have turned to the Holy Trinity: Advil, bourbon, and Prozac""); grandparenting; and, of course, dentistry. As wise and poignant as they are funny, Crystal's reflections are an unforgettable look at an extraordinary life well lived.

Star Trek: The Return (Adapted)

Legends never die....Old friends are reunited and ancient secrets revealed as Kirk, Spock, Picard, Riker, Data, and all of the Federation's best and brightest are enmeshed in a cosmic saga that will test their strengths and loyalties to the very limit. A personal tale of tragedy and triumph that could only have been written - and read - by William Shatner!

How I Slept My Way to the Middle: Secrets and Stories from Stage, Screen, and Interwebs

Kevin Pollak rose through the comedy club ranks at the feet of Don Rickles and Bill Cosby, Johnny Carson, and George Carlin. Named one of Comedy Central’s Top 100 Stand-Up Comedians of All Time, he’s a killer impressionist — Falk, Shatner, Walken, Nicholson — a versatile actor with one of the most respected filmographies around, and an Internet pioneer. He’s done it all, and now he’s ready to spill the beans.

My Happy Days in Hollywood: A Memoir

Once called a legend in his own time slot, Garry Marshall has been among the most successful writers, directors, and producers in America for more than five decades. In My Happy Days in Hollywood, Marshall takes us on a journey from his stickball-playing days in the Bronx to his time at the helm of some of the most popular television series and movies of all time, sharing the joys and challenges of working with the Fonz and the young Julia Roberts, the “street performer” Robin Williams, and the young Anne Hathaway, among many others.

Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography

A teen idol at 15, an international icon and founder of the Brat Pack at 20, and one of Hollywood's top stars to this day, Rob Lowe chronicles his experiences. Never mean-spirited or salacious, Lowe delivers unexpected glimpses into his successes, disappointments, relationships, and one-of-a-kind encounters with people who shaped our world over the last 25 years. These stories are as entertaining as they are unforgettable.

Star Trek: Spock vs. Q, The Sequel (Adapted)

The battle of wits and logic is joined again! Spock and Q are in the midst of debating the fate of mankind when they are suddenly transported to somewhere in deep space. Then a curious personality change begins to take place, as Spock is overcome with giddy delight and Q begins to act serious, even logical. Masterfully performed by Leonard Nimoy and John de Lancie!

Robert Downey, Jr.: The Biography

Find out about his film debut at age five playing a puppy in one of his father's cult underground films, his attempt at becoming a comedian during his ill-fated stint on comedy show Saturday Night Live, how he burst onto the scene with his moving performance in Less than Zero and how he charmed Hollywood with his Oscar nominated turn as troubled funny man Charlie Chaplin.

Star Trek: Spock vs. Q (Adapted)

Ambassador Spock travels back in time to subtly warn Earth's inhabitants of impending doom while calling into question humanity's priorities. However, before the truth is told, the all-powerful being, Q, appears and reminds Spock that he is prohibited from interfering in Earth's history. Besides, Q doesn't see mankind as something worth saving.

Publisher's Summary

This is the story of William Shatner’s half-century career and private life. The audio will take listeners from the streets of Montreal to regional theater, where Shatner was once called upon to replace Christopher Plummer as Henry V— in a role he had never rehearsed, with actors he had never met. It will describe his early TV work and movies, among them Roger Corman’s The Intruder, a movie about racism filmed in the south in 1961; Kingdom of the Spiders, in which he costarred with 30,000 tarantulas; and Incubus, the only film ever made in the language of Esperanto. It will include his private life, including the complete story of the drowning death of his third wife. It will include stories from three other series: T.J. Hooker, Rescue 911—which saved more than 240 lives—and Boston Legal, as well as his work on Third Rock from the Sun, for which he won his first Emmy for playing "the Big Giant Head".

And, of course, it will include the story of Star Trek: how it came about and how it affected him—and fans—concluding with the story of a taxi driver who told Shatner he'd been a prisoner in Vietnam and that pretending they were the Star Trek crew kept him and his fellow inmates sane. And yes, it will include his singing and commercials and quiz-show hosting and award-show hosting and the greatest practical joke ever played, Invasion, Iowa, not to mention the story about Shatner being invited into a cage with Koko the Gorilla—who wanted to take him back to her bedcage.

After almost 60 years, William Shatner has become one of our most beloved entertainers. And as evidenced by Comedy Central’s roast, The Shat Hits the Fan, Shatner gets the joke. For the first time, William Shatner shares with listeners the remarkable, full story of his life.

Bill Shatner should narrate more books. He is very entertaining, keeps the listening very interesting, and is able to poke fun at himself. The years must have put some humility into him. I think history will treat Bill better than the present. A must read if you have ever been entertained by watching anything he has had a part in.

Really entertaining read. Enjoyed every minute. My ONLY negative criticism would be that Shatner's extremely well known speech cadence sometimes gets in the way of actually HEARING the story. On headphones it's fine ... in the car, it's necessary to mess with the volume knob all the time. Other than that ... I loved it and am still amazed at the life he's led.

Would you consider the audio edition of Up Till Now to be better than the print version?

Never read the book, though due to the audio issues it may have been a bettter choice.

What about William Shatner’s performance did you like?

I thought the book was very funny in parts and that no one else except William Shatner could have read it. My only criticism (though it is a big one) was the extreme volume fluctuations. While knowing that some of it is due to Shatner's delivery from "normal volume" speaking down to below a whisper, it was very difficult to listen to without having to constantly turn the volume up and down. Just when you thought you had reached a balance, it would go really loud or almost silent again. The content of the book was good and as this was my first book from William Shatner I was pleased with all the meandering and side stories, etc that he would inject, I just wish it could have been a better audio experience.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Again the audio production made it very difficult to enjoy as much as it could have been.

Would you consider the audio edition of Up Till Now to be better than the print version?

I loved hearing William share his own stories. It was enjoyable from beginning to end. He is a treasure - I love his spirit! So personable - so human. You will feel like you really know him when you're finished.

What other book might you compare Up Till Now to and why?

I have yet to hear another autobiography I liked more.

What does William Shatner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hearing his voice, his humor and every inflection. No one could tell his story better than him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His wife's tragic drowning in the pool. So sad and moving. I felt his pain. I could envision every detail he described. I appreciated his honesty. What a humble man.

Bill Shatner is going full speed the entire book and it is one hilarious and entertaining story after another. I can't imagine this book being half as good if you had to just read it. The stories by themselves are funny and entertaining but listening to Shatner act the dialogue makes you feel as if he is telling the stories to you personally and you are experiencing much of his life as he has lived it. A really fun book.

Shatner does a fine job of telling his own story and introducing the real Captain Kirk to the listener. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the comments and have decided that I like Shatner better than I liked Kirk.

Would you consider the audio edition of Up Till Now to be better than the print version?

William Shatner is amazingly open and forthcoming in this book. His self-deprecating humor is engaging. His honest and humble story-telling reminds us that we all have different perspectives and that doesn't make us wrong, it just makes us unique.And his story-telling is engaging. His voice draws you in to his world and makes you an empathetic friend. I felt like I was just hanging out with my new friend at Starbucks.

Which scene was your favorite?

The alien in the desert.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Not only is it an autobiography, but it's read by Bill himself ! You get to hear Bill tell you about his long career and his ups and downs along the way. His humor blends the whole thing together in a very unexpected and brilliant way. I found myself cheering for him in his retelling of winning the Emmy, and tearing up when he spoke of his late wife .I loved this book from the first chapter to the funny last sentence!

Listening to William Shatner was like being the audience of a one-man show--interesting, engaging, funny, moving. He didn't read the book--he delivered it with the finesse of a great actor.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Up Till Now?

There are so many of them it is hard to choose!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

William Shatner: bigger than life turns out to be just the right size--full of laughter and heart.

Any additional comments?

If you want to interest anyone in listening to digital books--this is the one to start with. It has something for everyone--humor, stories about movie stars, personal struggles, family and more. A delightful book and outstanding delivery by William Shatner.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was lovely to have a book make me laugh out loud

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Wendy Salmon

7/20/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"A must Read"

I have been a a life long fan of William Shatner so this was a must read for me . Full of an actors experiences of life . Failure, triumph , dispare, sadness and happines .Particularly liked the humour and having it read to me by the man himself . Awesome man.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Gordon M.

4/6/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Genuine and enjoyable thanks Bill"

I had already listened to Leonard before this and although some stories do repeat in this volume I enjoyed them second time round tooMr Shatner comes across as a genuine and sometimes frustrating human being but that said no one can match his work ethic even now still offering us Boston Legal to name one and I would recommend this title to anyone wanting to delve deeper into the "Shatman" and leave behind the whole Star Trek ethos and just enjoy the ride that is Bill .

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mrodgers69

1/20/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"I love William Shatner."

Great book. I love hearing Bill tell me his story. I hope he lives forever.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

James

Woking, United Kingdom

2/6/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Charm wins out"

There are more interesting and better written autobiographies but this is not a bad example and the charm, ego and self awareness of Shatner made it an entertaining listen from beginning to end for me.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Tony Swinton

8/15/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great"

Would you listen to Up Till Now again? Why?

In the opening words this book had me laughingThere is sadness and lots of laughs A good listen which I will listen to again at some point

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Jean rOse

7/7/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Mr Shatner is a very engaging companion"

What did you like most about Up Till Now?

Mr Shatner is at all times honest in his assessment of his life. And is unafraid of critisising himself which makes this a refreshing read.

What other book might you compare Up Till Now to, and why?

This is going to seem odd. But bear with me. Clarissa Dickson wright's Spilling the Beans"!Because she too doesn't pull any punches and it's a great read too.

What about William Shatner’s performance did you like?

It sounds as if he is talking just to you and as if he's known you all your life

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me laugh. And it is sad in parts

Any additional comments?

Even if your not a Star Trek fan or your not fan of Mr Shatner give this a go. It's well worth the effort.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Alex Edwards

Ipswich, UK

8/19/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Shatner is amazing!"

Would you consider the audio edition of Up Till Now to be better than the print version?

Yes, being read by the man himself brings the full emotion of the words to the fore. Shatner really has given part of himself to this writing...very impressed.

What other book might you compare Up Till Now to, and why?

This is my first autobiography, so NA

What does William Shatner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

His emotions for the stories he tells...only the person that lives the life of the story can really tell the story from the heart, that is what you get from this!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Shatner's life!

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

London, England

4/13/13

Overall

"A life worth listening"

Most of us will probably know William Shatner as Captain Kirk from Star Trek, and as such think of him as a reasonably limited TV star lucky enough to land an iconic role. This biography comes as a surprise then as it details the journey of a dedicated young actor learning his craft and emerging as a respected theatre performer. The story covers his various TV roles, the significant moments in a fascinating life, and how he related to those around him in all of these situations.

It also shows a man with a brilliant sense of humour who knows how to tell a story. There are even moments of tragedy that he shares with honesty and genuine sorrow.

This is a wonderful biography made all the better by the author reading it himself. Highly recommended.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Michel

Newtownabbey, United Kingdom

4/13/13

Overall

"Laugh out loud Funny!"

William Shatner is everything and more you expect him to be. He is a parody of himself and plays to fans expectations in every way. He is a great story teller as his autobiography plays like a good novel. He tells stories about events in his life, both funny and sad. He pulls at our heart string one moment then tickles your ribs the next. When I finished his book, I instantly went online to see if he had narrated or written any more books. Turns out his has so may check them out!

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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